The City of Calgary is thrilled to announce the opening of 12 brand-new, dedicated pickleball courts at Foothills Athletic Park (2431 Crowchild Tr. N.W.) on Sept. 23, 2024. This exciting development follows the removal of the old Volleydome in 2023, revealing a hidden gem of non-functional tennis courts waiting to be transformed. This summer, we turned these courts into some of Calgary’s first dedicated outdoor pickleball courts.
These new courts are a fantastic addition to Foothills Athletic Park, operated by our existing athletic park staff ensuring no additional operating costs. For now, Calgarians can drop by and play on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting in 2025, we’ll be integrating these courts into our Live and Play booking system, making it easier to secure a spot and enjoy a game.
Construction began in July and wrapped up last week, with the project costing approximately $400,000. While these courts are temporary until funding is secured for the Foothills Multisport Fieldhouse, they’re a great addition in the meantime. Once the Multisport Fieldhouse is funded and built, it will feature gymnasia courts that can be configured with up to 36 pickleball courts.
Public recreational spaces serve as community hubs. They provide opportunities for people to come together, socialize and build strong relational bonds. They foster a sense of community pride and identity. However, many of our public recreation and aquatic facilities have exceeded their expected lifespans, are outdated and no longer adequately meet the evolving needs of Calgarians. As stewards of these vital spaces, we are committed to creating a recreation network that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable.
Early next year, The City will present GamePLAN to City Council — the long-term vision for inclusive, accessible and sustainable recreation services. This comprehensive plan will emphasize the urgent need for significant capital investment in the repair, modernization and replacement of our public recreation infrastructure.
Pickleball is a sport emerging across the globe and Calgary is no exception. This sport blends ping pong, tennis and badminton and is perfect for all ages and skill levels. Adding these temporary courts at Foothills helps to meet the growing demand for pickleball while ensuring other court-based activities remain available.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a fun backyard activity for kids in the United States and has become a global sensation. It’s easy to learn, incredibly fun to play and suitable for everyone. The City of Calgary is proud to offer over 160 outdoor tennis courts, many of which are adapted for pickleball.
Find more info at calgary.ca/pickleball
